Process and device for displaying information on a screen

ABSTRACT

A method and an apparatus for producing displays of analogous operational parameters on a screen, with a production device set up to generate a display signal consisting of a number of symbols, with the number of symbols approximately proportional to the level and/or the number of adjusted increments of the operational parameter that is allocated to the display signal, wherein a certain symbol of a specific color and/or a symbol of a specific shape is allocated to an adjusted value of an analogous operational parameter, and the symbol is displayed, while the operational parameter is adjusted to an adjusted value, and the color symbols and/or shape symbols for sequential adjusted values differ from each other.

The invention refers to a method and an apparatus for producing displaysof analogous operational parameters on a screen, with a symbolproduction device set up to generate a display signal consisting of anumber of symbols, with the number of symbols approximately proportionalto the level and/or the number of adjusted increments of the operationalparameter that is allocated to the display signal. Such a method isknown from DE-A-29 20 023.

The method known in the art is realized in a multitude of applicationsin different types of screen display devices, such as monitors, TVreceivers, satellite receivers and projectors.

FIG. 2a) shows a schematic representation of one of the best-knownscreen display variations.

Known screen displays—on screen displays—can be organized into twoessential categories: Symbolic displays and numerical displays. Insymbolic displays, symbols, almost exclusively abstract symbols, aregenerated, and the number of the generated symbols is approximatelyproportional to the level of the operational parameter, or to the numberof the adjusted increments of the incrementally adjustable operationalparameter. Accordingly, FIG. 2a represents an example in which sixvertically aligned bars—as first symbols—provide the user withinformation regarding the current setting of the operational parameter.

With known numerical screen displays a number, e.g. the number 6,appears on the screen, and the number itself is approximatelyproportional to the level of the operational parameter and/or the numberof the adjusted increments of the operational parameter. Naturally,there are also examples utilizing elements of the symbolic as well asthe numerical display.

In FIG. 2a), to the right of the vertically arranged long bars, smallsymbols of approximately square shape are arranged—as secondarysymbols—, to let the user know to what extent he has modulated theoperational parameter that is to be displayed, because the total numberof symbols (bars and small symbols) provides the user with a measure asto the maximum modulation of the operational parameter.

The screen displays described above have largely proven themselves,which is why today screen displays of that type have found their wayinto more than 90% of all TV receivers, monitors, satellite receivers,or other entertainment electronics equipment; along with the fact thatwith the screen display the user can optimally and easily adjust adesired operational parameter without having to depend on thereproduction of a certain video signal, and because the screen displayprovides the user with a clear indication of the screen parametersettings. Aside from the numerous advantages of screen displays that areindependent of video signal reception, screen displays to date alsosuffered from several disadvantages. For example, in a screen display asrepresented in FIG. 2a), the user has difficulty in quicklydistinguishing the number of the first symbols, and therefore hasdifficulty remembering a desired setting. Even though the individualsymbols are discernable on the screen display as represented in FIG.2a), and are therefore easily visible, if the user wishes to remember asetting, the user has to count the symbols individually and must thenremember that number, similar to a number on a numerical display.

Consequently, the object of the present invention is to support thememory of the viewer or the user of the screen display device, and toprovide a simple operational device for that purpose.

According to the invention, this object is realized with the methodcaptioned in the above claims and the screen display apparatus.

The invention is based on the knowledge that, in general, human memoryfor colors and shapes is considerably better developed than it is fornumbers. For example, even after 20 years, a car owner will rememberwhat color his first car was, but he will long since have forgotten thelicense plate number. Also, as a rule, human beings have difficultyremembering numbers, such as telephone numbers or house numbers. Asindicated above, the same applies for the numerical information withregard to a screen display, in particular, because most often the useris already sufficiently distracted by the reproduced image that hehardly concentrates on any number of symbols, or a numerical display.

With the invention it is, to a certain degree, no longer necessary toremember the number of symbols, as long as the user concentrates on theparticular symbol which refers to the increment adjusted most recently,or to the current value of the operational parameter. The user also seesthis symbol on screen displays to date, but because this symbol isidentical (color, shape) with all adjoining symbols, e.g. in FIG. 2a tothe left of the right bar, the user is unable to ascertain the value ofthe adjusted operational parameter, unless the user counts all thesymbols.

With the invention, however, adjoining symbols or symbols for sequentialparameter values have different appearances, for example, in terms ofcolor and/or shape. FIG. 1 is a representation of several examples. Inthe numerical display the number shown is allocated a certain colorvalue and/or shape value, i.e. with a change in the numerical display,there is always also a change in color and/or shape of the numericaldisplay itself or its background. Now, instead of having to remember anumber, the user remembers the allocated color and/or shape in order toreturn to the desired setting, or to remember the current value.

Since different color signals are generated for adjoining numbers,individual symbols appear in different colors on the screen, which notonly supports the user's memory but also constitutes a considerableaesthetic improvement of the screen display.

In the following, the invention is explained in greater detail with theassistance of the embodiments that are represented in the drawings. Inthe drawings are represented:

FIGS. 1a-j disclosure of examples of various displays in accordance withthe invention;

FIG. 2a disclosure of an example of a known screen display;

FIG. 2b disclosure of example of an alternative screen display withrespect to FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 a modular mimic display of the essential components of an imagereproduction device;

FIG. 4 a modular mimic display of a screen display system;

FIG. 5a a view of a control tool in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 5b a modular mimic display with a control tool in accordance withthe invention;

FIG. 5c Example for a view of a menu chart that appears on the screen,and which can be controlled (triggered) with the control tool;

FIG. 5d a side view of a control tool in accordance with the invention;and

FIG. 5e a top view of a remote control with a control tool in accordancewith the invention.

FIG. 1a shows a screen display consisting of a group of first symbols,characterized by colored, vertically aligned bars, and of a group ofsecond symbols, arranged as smaller squares to the right of the bars.Adjoining symbols are executed in plainly different colors. The displayin FIG. 1 tells the user that he implemented an adjustment of a physicaloperational parameter, which corresponds to the first six symbols, andthat the first symbol, displayed in blue, indicates the increment thatwas adjusted last. If the user increases the value of the operationalparameter, depending on the proportional relationships of the allocationof the first symbols in relation to the called up increments, sooner orlater the second symbol in brown, located in FIG. 1a to the right of thefirst symbol in blue, will be replaced with a symbol shape incorrespondence to the first symbol, but will remain pink [sic: should be“brown”] in color. FIG. 1b represents such a setting.

It is not necessary for the user to remember the number of the firstsymbol in order to recall the desired setting at a later time, but theuser will automatically remember the color of that first symbol whichindicates the desired setting.

Naturally, it is also possible that the second symbols consistentlyappear in the same color, or that the symbols, which in FIG. 1a arearranged to the left of the blue symbol, are uni-colored. It isimportant, however, that a certain value [representing] a physicalparameter, or the symbol representing it, appear in a certain color onthe screen. Therefore, adjoining symbol s or operational parametervalues should preferably always appear, or be symbolized on the screenin different colors. Of course, a particular color sequence may berepeated after a certain number of symbols.

FIG. 1c shows an alternative screen representation in which the firstsymbols are represented with capital letters, and the second symbolswith small letters. Also, the individual symbols differ from each otherin terms of their letter value.

FIG. 1d shows a screen representation that is comparable to FIG. 1a, inwhich the first symbols are melted to a bar, because there are no gapsbetween adjoining first symbols.

In FIG. 1e, adjoining symbols are represented by different symbolshapes. In FIG. 1f, the second symbols are omitted. Naturally, anumerical display as in FIGS. 1a, 1 b can optionally be made to appearon the screen, or may replace the abstract symbols.

FIG. 1g only shows that symbol in color which indicates the currentvalue of the operational parameter. If the value of the operationalparameter increases, and another first symbol is called up, the lattersymbol will appear in a different color; for example yellow, and allsymbols to the left of the colored (now yellow) symbol will appearuni-colored.

FIG. 1h represents a blue bar consisting of several blue rectangles,which are melted into a single bar. Increasing the operational parameterby one additional increment, i.e. increasing the adjusted value by oneunit—compare FIG. 1j—will cause the entire bar to turn yellow and thenumber of symbols, i.e. the number of rectangles, is increased by 1.

FIG. 2a shows a uni-colored screen display representation known in theart.

FIG. 2b shows a screen display representation in which the intervalsize, or the incremental increase of an operational parameter isconsiderably larger in the maximum range than in the normal range, e.g.room volume level.

In this context, the size or the length of an individual symbol isapproximately proportional to the corresponding incremental increase.This allows the user to adjust minute differences in the normal range,e.g at room volume level, while in the minimal and maximal values rangeslarger incremental steps are intended; experience has shown that theuser is less concerned with minute value adjustments in these ranges. Insetting the volume, the following symbol allocations to the incrementalincrease/interval can be intended:

Symbol 1 10 dB Symbol 2 8 dB Symbol 3 6 dB Symbol 4 4 dB Symbol 5 0.5 to1 dB Symbol 6 0.5 to 1 dB Symbol 7 0.5 to 1 dB Symbol 8 0.5 to 1 dBSymbol 9 0.5 to 1 dB Symbol 10 0.5 to 1 dB Symbol 11 4 dB Symbol 12 6 dBSymbol 13 8 dB Symbol 14 20 dB

This lets the user enjoy a simplified operation; it addresses personaluser wishes, and simultaneously provides the user with information aboutcurrent operational parameter settings.

FIG. 3 shows a modular mimic display for a reproduction device—in theexample shown here, it is a TV receiver—represented with a receptionantenna 1 that is connected to a tuner 2 with variable capacitancediodes. At the tuner output, a signal that is transformed to anintermediate frequency IF is available. The tuner 2 can be built in theknown fashion, and consists essentially of a selective amplificationstage, a mixer and an internal oscillator.

The output of the oscillator is connected to a first frequency divider3, which divides the oscillator's output frequency by the unchangeablefixed divisor N. The output of the first frequency divider is connectedto the second frequency divider 4, which divides the output frequency ofthe first frequency divider by a variable divisor N, and which can becontrolled (triggered) with 12 bit programming signals. Thus, it candivide by any divisor N between 1 nd 2 ¹².

The output of the second frequency divider 4 is connected to a firstinput of a phase frequency comparator 5, which has attached a referencesignal at its second input, supplied by a crystal generator 6 via athird frequency divider 7. The output of comparator 5 is connected tothe control input of tuner 2 by way of an amplifier and filter circuit8.

In addition, another control unit 10 is intended, e.g. a remote, whichhas, aside from the other control keys, such as on and off, volume,brightness, contrast, and color balance, 10 additional number keys withthe designations 0 through 9 (or as letter keys with the letterdesignations A through L). On the control unit 10 seven additionalauxiliary keys are intended, designated with the symbols +, −, t, c, or,m, ct, (or +, −, r1, r2, r3, r4, ct).

The control unit 10 is connected with a first group of eightinput/output ports of a processor [2]11, and with address input ports toa memory 12. In addition, the processor 11 also has a second set ofeight input/output ports, which are connected with the data input/outputports of memory 12, and also with the input ports of a graphic symbolgenerator 16, which can be connected to a display unit 9 (which is partof the receiver unit's picture tube). A third group of 16 ports of theprocessor 11 is connected with the following ports of the othercircuits:

with 12 programming input ports of the second frequency divider 4,

with 2 band switching input ports (U and B III) of tuner 2,

with a control input port of symbol generator 16,

with a first input port of a combined circuit element 14.

Also, the memory 12 has two control inputs, which are connected to theoutput port of the combined circuit element 14, which, in turn, receivesa signal at a second input port from the processor 11, and anothersignal at a third input port from a circuit closer detector. Thedetector 15, on its part, receives a signal from the main power supplyof the TV receiver, while its output is also connected to a reset inputport of processor 11. The memory 12 and the combined circuit element 14,which consists of CMOS elements and requires minimal power, areconnected to an internal memory supply terminal, in particular, abattery.

The circuits 3, 4, 5, and 8 in conjunction with the internalvoltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) of the tuner 2 form a phaselockedloop, which is controlled in the fashion known in the art by the outputsignal of the crystal generator 6 that is divided down by the thirdfrequency divider 7.

With suitable control via the keyboard, using in part the usual methods,various operational modes are possible in order to set the predeterminedstation.

If the user presses an operational parameter programming key on theremote, a screen display in accordance with the representation in FIG. 1automatically appears. Along with the operational parameter setting aremote command is sent to the device that to be controlled, and thiscommand is processed by processor 11. To control the operationalparameter, the processor 11 is connected with the memory 12, in whichthe operational parameter data and the corresponding interval sizes ofthe operational parameters are saved. In addition, processor 11 isconnected with the symbol generator 16, which is equipped with a symbolmemory, in order to produce the display onto the screen. The shapeand/or color signals, which are allocated to an adjusted value of anoperational parameter, are saved in processor 11, or preferably alongwith the individual adjusted values in memory 12, and they will becalled up when a certain parameter is adjusted and forwarded ascorresponding color or shape commands to the symbol generator. Asindicated previously, the color and/or shape of signals of sequentialadjusted values differ from each other; a multitude of variations isconceivable for the corresponding reproduction with FIG. 1 representingonly some of the positive examples.

For a better understanding of the screen display representationreference is made to FIG. 4. The screen display menu system 101 consistsof three functional blocks. An input block, a memory block and a controlblock 121, a video display adjustment block 141 and a symbol displayblock 161, within block 121, which is either part of a device frontoperation 181 or of a PC connection 201, corresponding keys can be usedto adjust selected operational parameters in the system 101. The enteredvalues are saved for a certain period of time in a temporary memory 221.A micro controller 241 receives this input information from the inputtemporary memory 221 and saves the modified input values for theoperational parameter that is to be displayed in an EEPROM memory 251.

The micro controller 241 is connected in the display adjustment block141 with a digital/analog converter 281 (DAC), which transforms adigital adjusted value to an analog signal, and transports this signalcorrespondingly to an analog switch so that an operational parametervalue assumes the value that is desired by the user.

The symbol display block 161 contains the hardware to produce and sendthe screen display information to a display unit (not represented). Waysof symbol production are known in the art from, for example, EP-0 543089. Following a corresponding command from the microcontroller 241,symbols of predetermined size, shape and color are selected from thesymbol memory (symbol PROM) 421 and combined to form a screen displayline in the display memory 401. With a video driver device 481 theresult is delivered to the display unit and appears accordingly on thedesired screen in the desired format. If the value of an operationalparameter changes, and hence the number of the first symbols, a modifiedscreen display line composition is implemented and displayed.

An operational parameter can only assume predetermined values which arefinally saved in the control block 121, for example, in a chart formatin memory 251.

If it is intended, for instance, that with each volume increase, whichcan only be effected step by step, the next higher volume value shouldconstitute an increase of 5 dB, the incremental increase is 5 dB. Ifsaved accordingly, the desired incremental increases can bepredetermined. With a corresponding program allocation of an operationalparameter to a symbol, symbol information such as shape, color, size,etc. can be allocated to an increment, and the corresponding screendisplays can be assembled.

FIG. 5a shows a partial view of an electronic device, e.g. of a TVreceiver 200 or a monitor. The device is equipped with a one-piece servocomponent 201 which calls up and adjusts different operational parametermodes and values, and which can turn the device on and off.

The one-piece servo component 201 is a servo component which can beturned, pushed in and/or pulled out. Allocated to the servocomponent—compare FIG. 5b—is a motion receiver 204 which reads the useractivity of the component and transforms it into corresponding signals,which are processed by a signal evaluation control unit 205, forexample, a microprocessor, and are converted to command signals. Thesecommand signals are used for the desired control of the device and forcalling up a desired screen display signal 202 on the screen 203.

Also, the component can be equipped with a timer 206, which records howlong a user activity lasts, and sends a corresponding time signal to theevaluation unit. If, for instance, the servo component is pushed in(i.e. into the symbol plane), and a certain period of time is exceeded,the timer sends a command to the evaluation unit, which reads thissignal as a signal to turn the unit on or off, depending on the previousoperational status, and then turns the device on or off.

If the servo component is pushed or pulled for a brief predeterminedperiod of time, this information is read in terms of the user wanting toset the next operational parameter mode. In addition, a correspondingmenu system is visible on the screen—FIG. 5c—in which a correspondingpointing device, e.g. a cursor or other corresponding color mark,indicates the operational mode, e.g. volume, lightness etc. If thepointing device is located at an operational mode such as volume, byturning the servo component the user can set the desired value. Turningto the left reduces the operational parameter value, turning to theright increases the operational parameter value, while, in accordancewith FIG. 1, a screen display 202 appears on the screen.

Thus, all desired functions of the device can be controlled with onlyone user component.

If the user pushes the servo component in for longer than, for example,2 seconds, the evaluation unit reads a corresponding turn off signal andthe device is turned off completely.

The turn-off function can also be activated if the user component, afterpassing a pressure point—compare FIG. 5d—, is pushed in and acorresponding turn-off contact is established after the user componentpenetrates the device, which is then responsible for turning the unitoff. Pulling on or moving the servo component 201 out will result in theunit being turned on. In the view seen in FIG. 5d, the user component201 is equipped with a head 215 which, if pressed, is received by twospring supported basins (216,217). Once the spring pressure is overcome,the basins establish contact with corresponding counter contacts 218 and219, thereby creating a switching contact which is responsible forturning the unit off.

The user component is a very positive supplement to the previouslydescribed screen display, but it can also be realized independently fromit. Naturally, the one piece servo component 201 can also be modeled onthe basis of a remote, as shown in FIG. 5e. Such a remote is equippedwith one single user component, which can be used to adjust all or mostuser functions. For program call-up a ten key pad known in the art may,of course, be intended. Although “trackballs” or “jock shuttles” areknown for use on remote controls, they do not provide a turn-offfunction.

What is claimed is:
 1. Screen display apparatus capable of generating adisplay signal of a physical parameter, with the display signal a)consisting of a numerical display value and/or b) a number of symbols, while aa) the shown numerical display value is approximatelyproportional to the level and/or the number of the adjusted incrementsof the adjusted value that is allocated to the signal, or bb) the numberof the symbols is approximately proportional to the level and/or thenumber of the adjusted increments of the adjusted value that isallocated to the signal, wherein the adjusted value of an operationalparameter is allocated a symbol of a certain color and/or a symbol of acertain shape, and the color symbols and/or shape symbols for adjoiningsymbols or symbol groups of sequential adjusted values of operationalparameters differ from each other, and wherein, at a normal range of anoperational parameter, e.g. at room volume level, the interval size orthe incremental increase is smaller than at the maximum range, and/orthe different interval sizes or the different incremental increases canbe displayed with the allocated symbol itself, i.e. based on position,size, color or shape, and wherein the color and/or shape design of aparticular symbol and/or numerical display for a preferred parametersetting can be chosen by the user, and can be saved into a memory, andwherein the device incorporates the means to adjust several operationalparameters, consisting of a one-piece servo component which can bepushed in and/or turned in several directions; with a first movement ofthe one-piece servo component, the adjustment mode of an operationalparameter can be called up, and with another movement of the servocomponent the value adjustment of the called up operational parametercan be implemented.
 2. Screen display apparatus capable of generating adisplay signal of a physical parameter, with the display signal a)consisting of a numerical display value and/or b) a number of symbols, while aa) the shown numerical display value is approximatelyproportional to the level and/or the number of the adjusted incrementsof the adjusted value that is allocated to the signal, or bb) the numberof the symbols is approximately proportional to the level and/or thenumber of the adjusted increments of the adjusted value that isallocated to the signal, wherein the adjusted value of an operationalparameter is allocated a symbol of a certain color and/or a symbol of acertain shape, and the color symbols and/or shape symbols for adjoiningsymbols or symbol groups of sequential adjusted values of operationalparameters differ from each other, and wherein the color and/or shapedesign of a particular symbol and/or numerical display for a preferredparameter setting can be chosen by the user, and can be saved into amemory, and wherein the device incorporates the means to adjust severaloperational parameters, consisting of a one-piece servo component whichcan be pushed in and/or turned in several directions; with a firstmovement of the one-piece servo component, the adjustment mode of anoperational parameter can be called up, and with another movement of theservo component the value adjustment of the called up operationalparameter can be implemented.
 3. Screen display apparatus capable ofgenerating a display signal of a physical parameter, with the displaysignal a) consisting of a numerical display value and/or b) a number ofsymbols,  while aa) the shown numerical display value is approximatelyproportional to the level and/or the number of the adjusted incrementsof the adjusted value that is allocated to the signal, or bb) the numberof the symbols is approximately proportional to the level and/or thenumber of the adjusted increments of the adjusted value that isallocated to the signal, wherein the adjusted value of an operationalparameter is allocated a symbol of a certain color and/or a symbol of acertain shape, and the color symbols and/or shape symbols for adjoiningsymbols or symbol groups of sequential adjusted values of operationalparameters differ from each other, and wherein the device incorporatesthe means to adjust several operational parameters, consisting of aone-piece servo component which can be pushed in and/or turned inseveral directions; with a first movement of the one-piece servocomponent, the adjustment mode of an operational parameter can be calledup, and with another movement of the servo component the valueadjustment of the called up operational parameter can be implemented. 4.Screen display apparatus capable of generating a display signal of aphysical parameter, with the display signal a) consisting of a numericaldisplay value and/or b) a number of symbols,  while aa) the shownnumerical display value is approximately proportional to the leveland/or the number of the adjusted increments of the adjusted value thatis allocated to the signal, or bb) the number of the symbols isapproximately proportional to the level and/or the number of theadjusted increments of the adjusted value that is allocated to thesignal, wherein the adjusted value of an operational parameter isallocated a symbol of a certain color and/or a symbol of a certainshape, and the color symbols and/or shape symbols for adjoining symbolsor symbol groups of sequential adjusted values of operational parametersdiffer from each other, and wherein, at a normal range of an operationalparameter, e.g. at room volume level, the interval size or theincremental increase is smaller than at the maximum range, and/or thedifferent interval sizes or the different incremental increases can bedisplayed with the allocated symbol itself, i.e. based on position,size, color or shape and wherein the device incorporates the means toadjust several operational parameters, consisting of a one-piece servocomponent which can be pushed in and/or turned in several directions;with a first movement of the one-piece servo component, the adjustmentmode of an operational parameter can be called up, and with anothermovement of the servo component the value adjustment of the called upoperational parameter can be implemented.
 5. Screen display apparatus asclaimed in claim 1, 2, 3 or 4 wherein the one-piece servo component isallocated a timer, which measures the activation time of the one-pieceservo component, and depending on the length of a user function, theone-piece servo component turns the device off.
 6. Screen displayapparatus as claimed in claims, 1, 2, 3 or 4 wherein the one-piece servocomponent is coupled with a microprocessor which controls a symbolgenerator, and in accordance with the duration of a use of the one-pieceservo component, a display signal is generated, the size of which isapproximately proportional to the time the one-piece servo component wasengaged.
 7. Screen display apparatus as claimed in claims 1, 2 3 or 4wherein a menu system is intended for adjusting the various operationalmodes, and as a result of a certain movement, the one-piece servocomponent calls up an operational mode menu chart, with another movementof the one-piece servo component a pointing device, which indicatescertain operational modes, can be localized, and with a third movementof the one-piece servo component the value adjustment of the called-upoperational parameter can be implemented and displayed.
 8. Screendisplay apparatus as claimed in claims 1, 2, 3 or 4 wherein theone-piece servo component is developed for use with a remote.
 9. TVreceiver, satellite receiver, monitor, video recorder, TV card, graphicor display units with a device as claimed in claims 1, 2, 3 or 4.